Footcare product dispensing kiosk

ABSTRACT

A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.

BACKGROUND

Conventional footcare products, such as orthotics, foot cushions, heelcups, etc., are typically sold from conventional retail displays.Although packaging may provide some guidance, customers may have toguess which products are appropriate, e.g., the customers' size, footcharacteristics, and other attributes. However, even if a customer weregiven the opportunity to try on a product, the customer may not know thebest type of support or size of footcare product for their particularfoot characteristics, e.g., the arch type of the customer's foot. Thispractice may result in the customer buying multiple products before thecustomer finally finds a product that meets the customer's needs.

Custom foot-care products may also be sold to provide a customer withthe proper level of support. Custom footcare products that haveadjustable support, still may not be of the proper size for a customer'sshoes and may require significant time to determine the proper size.Some custom footcare products are made by moldable material. However,this requires time to measure the foot and then a period of time to makethe orthotic. Because these orthotics are custom-made, they aretypically more expensive than pre-manufactured orthotics. Also, creatinga custom molded orthotic generally requires a trained professional thatmeasures the customer and makes or orders the orthotic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example kiosk,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates several example foot dimensions.

FIG. 3 a illustrates an example of the locations of alignment marks thatmay be displayed on a pressure mat.

FIG. 3 b illustrates measurements that may be derived from pressuremeasurements on a pressure mat.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example procedure forcharacterizing a person's feet based on pressure measurements andselecting a recommended footcare product, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example pressure map showing foot dimensions thatmay be used to determine if a foot on a sensor is unshod, according toan example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example procedure using foot dimensions from FIG.5 to determine whether an unshod foot is on a pressure mat, according toan example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example procedure to take pressure measurements tocalculate biomechanical data estimates, such as those in FIG. 2,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 a illustrates an example decision matrix, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 b illustrates an example procedure for selecting a footcareproduct from a decision matrix, such as in FIG. 8 a, based on pressuremeasurements, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 a illustrates an example kiosk selecting pre-manufacturedorthotics, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 b illustrates an example internal structure of a pressure pad,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 c illustrates an example layer-by-layer internal structure of apressure pad, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 a illustrates an example screen that may display footcareproducts, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 b illustrates an example screen that may display a footcareproduct and its various components, according to an example embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates any number of example screens that displayinformation, instructions, or that provide a language option, accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example instruction screen directing a person totake off his or her shoes, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 a illustrates an example screen that may be displayed to aperson to help achieve proper foot alignment and weight distribution,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 b illustrates an alternative example screen that may bedisplayed to a person to help achieve proper foot alignment and weightdistribution, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example screen that may be displayed to a personwhen the person has his or her weight balanced on both feet, accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example screen containing instructions that maybe displayed to a person regarding taking quasi-dynamic footmeasurements, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 a illustrates an example screen that may be displayed aftermeasurements of a single planting foot are taken, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 b illustrates an alternative example screen that may bedisplayed after measurements of a single planting foot are taken,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 a illustrates an example screen containing instructions that maybe displayed to a person regarding taking pressure measurements of theperson while the person stands on the right foot, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 b illustrates an alternative example screen containinginstructions that may be displayed to a person regarding taking pressuremeasurements of the person while the person stands on the right foot,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example screen that may be displayed aftermeasurements of a single planting foot are taken, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example screen that may display a selectedrecommended footcare product, in this example, an orthotic.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example screen displaying other information thatmay be displayed to a person, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Footcare products may be placed inside footwear products to providesupport, cushioning, to improve fit or comfort, etc. Examples offootcare products include orthotics, insoles, foot cushions, heel cups,etc. Examples of footwear products include sneakers, loafers, dressshoes, high heels, etc. A person may want to quickly and accuratelydetermine the proper footcare or footwear product for his or her feetfrom an available range or products. For example, a product may need tohave the proper support, size, arch support, and be able to support theperson's body weight. Retailers would also want to be able to providethis service to people without having to staff a person that hasspecialized training and/or knowledge of all possible products, footcareor footwear, and foot types.

In some example embodiments of the present invention, a kiosk measures aperson's feet and determines a recommended footcare product for theperson and the recommended product may be dispensed or may be selectedby the person from a display. The measurements may be taken with asurface containing pressure sensors to measure a person's feet. Aprocessor may correlate footcare products to the person's footmeasurements. In one example embodiment, the kiosk may contain a videoscreen that provides instructions to the person. The system selects arecommended footcare product from among a set of candidate footcareproducts based at least in part upon a plurality of pressuremeasurements received from the pressure sensors. The set of candidatefootcare products may be displayed on or near the kiosk in a merchandisedisplay area, and the person would be provided with an indicia of therecommended footcare product, such as a picture of the footcare product,the model number of the footcare product, a color or symbol, etc. Theperson may then easily locate the footcare product that will provide thebest calculated fit and support for the person's needs. Alternatively,products may be dispensed from a kiosk, for example, the kiosk may beconfigured as a vending machine. The footcare product sold may be apre-manufactured orthotic, and the set of candidate footcare productsmay be a set of different models of pre-manufactured orthotics ofvarying attributes, such as size, arch support levels, arch index,cushioning levels (i.e. foam density, cushioning material used, etc.),etc. The range of models provided are chosen to address the most commonconditions needing a footcare product, while coming in a range of sizesand models needed to fit and provide an appropriate support level forthe vast majority of the potential user population.

One example embodiment of the present invention may be a systemincluding a surface, wherein the surface is configured to allow a personto stand upon the surface; a plurality of pressure sensors located underthe surface forming a 2-D array of sensors; a measurement systemconfigured to obtain measurements from a customer's feet; a processor incommunication with the plurality of pressure sensors, the processorconfigured to receive a plurality of pressure measurements from at leasta subset of the plurality of pressure sensors while the person standsupon the surface, the processor further configured to select arecommended footcare product from among a set of candidate footcareproducts based at least in part upon the plurality of pressuremeasurements, wherein the processor is configured to receive at least afirst subset of the plurality of pressure measurements while the personstands on one foot; an output device to display information receivedfrom the processor, the information identifying the recommended footcareproduct to the person; an input device configured to receive a person'sinput in selection of a recommended product; and a merchandise displayarea, the merchandise display area configured to display the set ofcandidate footcare products.

An alternative example embodiment of the present invention may be amethod of selecting a recommended orthotic, including determining if afoot on a sensor is unshod; collecting a first set of pressuremeasurements of a foot of a person while the person stands stationary onone foot, wherein a plurality of pressure measurements are taken fromdifferent points of the foot of a person; calculating a biomechanicaldata estimate of the foot using the pressure measurements, whereinbiomechanical data comprises foot length, foot width, body weight, archindex, outline of the foot and toeline, a peak pressure map, alongitudinal line drawn on a peak pressure map, or an intersection of alongitudinal line and a foot body; comparing the biomechanical data withvalues from a decision matrix of orthotics and classified subgroups; andselecting an orthotic based on the comparison.

An alternative example embodiment of the present invention may be anapparatus with a surface, multiple pressure sensors located under thesurface, and a processor in communication with the plurality of pressuresensors, the processor configured to receive multiple pressuremeasurements from a subset of the multiple pressure sensors while theperson stands upon the surface. The process may also be configured toselect a recommended footcare product from among a set of candidatefootcare products based at least in part upon the multiple pressuremeasurements. The surface may be configured to allow a person to standupon the surface. Footcare products may include orthotics. The set ofcandidate footcare products includes a set of orthotics, the setincluding pre-manufactured orthotics with a plurality of different sizesand a plurality of different support levels. The pressure sensors may bea grid of pressure sensors, possibly formed of a 2-D array. There may be1144 sensors in an array for a single foot. The sensors may be 7.5mm×7.5 mm or smaller. The pressure sensors may include apressure-sensitive conductive ink, a piezoelectric sensor, etc. Theapparatus may select a recommended footcare product and the selectionmay be made without other foot measurements being taken other than thepressure measurements. In alternative embodiments, a scale may be usedto provide a weight measurement of the person.

The example embodiment of the apparatus may also contain input andoutput features. The apparatus may contain an output device to displayinformation received from the processor, the information identifying therecommended footcare product to the person. The output device may be avideo screen configured to display an image of the recommended footcareproduct, a biomechanical data estimate, or display instructions, theinstructions directing the person to stand on one foot. Biomechanicaldata may include at least one of the foot length, foot width, bodyweight, arch index, outline of the foot and toeline, a peak pressuremap, a longitudinal line drawn on a peak pressure map, or anintersection of a longitudinal line and a foot body. The video screenmay also be a touch screen, configurable to receive both input andoutput. A separate input device may also receive input to configure theprocessor.

The apparatus may also be configured to receive and calculate pressuremeasurements with a processor. The processor may be configured to takepressure measurements while the person stands on one foot or may beconfigured to receive at least a first subset of the plurality ofpressure measurements while the person stands on one foot. The processormay be configured to receive at least a second subset of the pluralitypressure measurements while the person stands on both feet. Theprocessor may be configured receive demographic information.

To select a recommended footcare product, a storage device may store amapping of footcare products to classified subgroups. The storage devicemay also store a storage record containing an apparatus transaction. Theprocessor may be configured to calculate biomechanical data estimatesbased on the plurality of pressure measurements. The categories ofbiomechanical data estimates include estimated foot dimensions,estimated foot type, and estimated body weight. Foot dimensions may be alongitudinal line that runs from the center of a heel to the center of asecond toe, a toe line that is a fitted curve through three alignmentmarks, a foot length that is the projection of the distance between themost anterior point and most posterior point of foot pressure map on thelongitudinal line, a foot width that is the projection of distancebetween the most medial point and most lateral point of foot pressuremap on the perpendicular line of the longitudinal line, the arch indexthat is the ratio of the area of the middle third of the toelessfootprint to the toeless footprint area, etc. The processor may beconfigured to select a recommended footcare product based on thebiomechanical data estimates. The processor of the apparatus may also beconfigured to determine whether an unshod foot, a shoe, or a sock is onthe pressure sensors. The processor may use some of the biomechanicaldata estimates or pressure measurements to make this determination.

As stated above, the apparatus may select a recommended footcare productfrom a set of candidate footcare products. The set of candidate footcareproducts may include a set of different pre-manufactured orthotics. Theset of different pre-manufactured orthotics may include orthotics thatdiffer in size, arch support levels, and cushioning levels. The set ofdifferent pre-manufactured orthotics variations may be calculated to fitthe majority of the population. The processor may be configured toreceive accuracy factors from a person. The accuracy factors may bereceived before making the recommendation or after making arecommendation. The accuracy factors may be integrated with thecalculations and procedures performed for selection of the recommendedfootcare product but may also be a complete separate procedure. Theapparatus may also include a merchandise display area configured todisplay the set of candidate footcare products.

An example embodiment of the present invention may be a point-of-salesystem for selling orthotics including a set of pre-manufacturedorthotics of different types, a measurement system configured to obtainmeasurements from a customer's feet, and a processor configured toreceive the measurements and to recommend an orthotic to the customerfrom the set of pre-manufactured orthotics based at least in part on themeasurements. The measurement system may contain a plurality of pressuresensors. The processor may be configured to derive biomechanical datafrom measurements collected by the measurement system. The biomechanicaldata may be selected from the foot length, foot width, body weight, archindex, outline of the foot and toeline, a peak pressure map, alongitudinal line drawn on a peak pressure map, and an intersection of alongitudinal line and a foot body, among others. A dispensing mechanismmay provide an orthotic from the set of pre-manufactured orthotics tothe person.

An example embodiment of the present invention may also perform a methodof characterizing a foot. The method may collect a first set of pressuremeasurements of a foot of a person while the person stands stationary onone foot and characterize the foot based on the first set of pressuremeasurements. Selection of a footcare product may then be based on thecharacterization of at least the one foot. The method may collect asecond set of pressure measurements from both feet of a person while theperson stands on both feet and characterize the foot based on the firstset and second set of pressure measurements. Alternatively, the methodmay only collect pressure measurements from both feet as the first setof pressure measurement of a person and characterize the foot based onthe first set, in this example, the pressure measurements of both feet.The method may also calculate a biomechanical data estimate of the footusing the pressure measurements. The method may compare thebiomechanical data with values from a decision matrix of orthotics andclassified subgroups, wherein a classified subgroup may include theweight of the person, the band of the person (i.e. a band based on aperson's foot length), a person's arch index, etc. The method mayinvolve calibrating a plurality of pressure sensors and a processorusing a Force Calibration method or a Multi-level Pressure Calibrationmethod. The method may involve adjusting coefficients in a processorchange the accuracy factors to recommend an orthotic. The decisionmatrix may be created based on a product specification list.

An example embodiment of the present invention may also perform a methodof selecting an orthotic. The method may include collecting a pluralityof pressure measurements at different points of the foot of a person andselecting an orthotic based on the pressure measurements. The method mayperform a combination of grouping a person into one of a plurality ofclassified subgroups based on the pressure measurements; recommending afootcare product based on a person's classified subgroup; derivingbiomechanical data estimates from the pressure measurements of at leastone of the both feet of a person, the left foot of a person, or theright foot of a person; estimating the biomechanical data of theperson's feet using the first set of pressure measurements and thesecond set of pressure measurements; confirming the person is balancedbased on the received pressure measurements; confirming the person isnot wearing a footwear based on the pressure measurements; confirmingthe person is not wearing a footwear based on the biomechanical dataestimates; receiving the second set of pressure measurements when theload on the individual planting foot reaches a pre-determined bodyweightpercentage; receiving the second set of pressure measurements when theperson's Center of Force enters a target zone, wherein a target zone isa pressure reference point; receiving the second set of pressuremeasurements when the Center of Force matches a target zone and at least95% of static weight, weight calculated by the sum of forces created bythe feet when relatively still, is achieved; or generating a static footoutline based on pressure measurements. Biomechanical data may includefoot length, foot width, body weight, arch index, outline of the footand toeline, a peak pressure map, a longitudinal line drawn on a peakpressure map, or an intersection of a longitudinal line and a foot body.A specified bodyweight percentage may be between the range of 90 to 95percent of bodyweight.

An example embodiment of the present invention may also perform a methodof determining if a foot on a sensor is unshod. The method may includedetermining plurality of foot dimensions, calculating a plurality offoot dimension ratios, and comparing the foot dimension ratios topre-determined values (e.g. 3.5, 6.0, 1.2, and 0.1). The foot dimensionsmay be selected from the group consisting of foot length, heel width,arch width, and forefoot width, although it will be appreciated thatother dimensions may also be used. Foot dimension ratios may includefoot length (e.g. the length of the line between the most posterior andmost anterior points of each foot pressure print) over the heel width(e.g. the length of a first line that is perpendicular to a second line,wherein the second line is a line between the center of the heel and thecenter of the second toe, and the first line is located at 16%, thoughit may range between 5 to 20%), forefoot width/heel width, and archwidth/heel width.

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example kiosk,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The examplekiosk 100 may be used to take a person's foot measurements, and based onthe measurements, select a recommended footcare product. The kiosk 100may include a foot measurement subsystem 114, e.g., a plurality ofpressure sensors 101. The pressure sensors 101 may be provided by usinga pad having an array of pressure sensors made from pressure sensitiveconductive inks, e.g., sensors from Tekscan, Inc. (307 West FirstStreet, South Boston, Mass. 02127-1309, USA), and/or sensors describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,989,700 and 6,964,205. Other measurementtechnologies may also be employed, e.g., force plates, piezoelectricsensors, digital air pressure sensors, optical measurements, gauges,thermal sensors, etc.

The pressure sensors 101 may be arranged to obtain pressure measurementsat different points of a person's foot. For example, the pressuresensors may be arranged as a 2-D grid or a 3-D grid of multiple sensorlayers. Sensels of up to 7.5 mm by 7.5 mm arranged in an array provideadequate detail to characterize feet up to men's size 15. The sensingelement may provide the measurements needed to provide an accuratepressure map of the foot. For example, in one example embodiment, giventhe square footage of the pressure pad, a minimum of 1144 number ofpressuresensors per foot area with a size of 6.86 mm×6.65 mm provides anaccurate pressure map of a foot. Thus, for two feet there would be 2288pressure sensors. However, with a varying range of sensor sizes, thenumber of sensors that may be needed to accurately capture a pressuremap of the foot may vary. The foot area, and correspondingly the numbersensors, may also vary depending on the target population. For example,an example embodiment of the kiosk may contain pressure pads underlyingthe feet that are capable of measuring children to adults, and the padsunderlying would be large enough to capture the foot area of an adult.

The pressure measurements taken from the plurality of pressure sensors101 may, but need not, be the only measurements of the foot collected toselect a recommended footcare product. For example, in alternativeembodiments, a scale 113 may also be employed in the foot measurementsubsystem 101 to provide greater accuracy in estimating a person'sweight. It will be appreciated that measurement approaches that producea relative pressure distribution, without producing absolute pressurevalues, may also be employed in place of absolute numerical pressuremeasurements.

The example kiosk 100 may also contain an output device 102, such as avideo screen or LCD screen, and an input device 103, such as a keyboard,mouse, etc. An alternative embodiment may contain a touch-screen as acombination of the input device 103 and the output device 102. Theoutput device 102 may display information received from a processor 104.Such information may include a recommended footcare product in the formof a picture or a model number, instructions on how to use the kiosk,biomechanical data estimates, data containing kiosk transactioninformation, etc. The output device 102 may display foot pressure inreal-time as soon as a user steps onto the pressure sensors. If theoutput device is a digital display, the pressure may be displayed inpixel format or contoured format, i.e. a real-time smoothed version ofthe pixilated format for aesthetic display purposes. The display mayalso show in real-time a pressure map and changes in the pressure map ofa person's feet while the person stands on the pressure sensors.

The output device 102 may also display a final peak pressure map to aperson. The peak pressure map is the combination of the peak at eachspecific point. A dynamic pressure display may use a fixed color legendwhile a peak pressure generated after data collection may use a floating(variable) legend based on the range of peak pressure. The variouspressure maps, such as the peak pressure map, may be used by otherembodiments of a kiosk to detect hot spots and recommend therapeuticproducts or pads. For example, hot spots may be used to detect where thepeak pressure is applied in various areas of the foot. Pads or othercushioning foot products may then be recommended to apply to thoseareas.

While a person, such as a customer 109, may use the input device 103 toperform a procedure 108 to select a recommended footcare product basedon the pressure measurements of a person's foot, another person, such asan administrator 110, may use the input device 103 to configure 111 theprocessor 104. Configuring 111 may involve adjusting the parameters usedto select a recommended footcare product, calibrating the pressuresensors, providing new product listings, etc.

An administrator 110 may calibrate the processor 104 to ensure theaccuracy of the pressure measurements taken from the pressure sensors101. Two methods may be employed by an administrator 110: a ForceCalibration (FC) or a Multi-Level Pressure Calibration (MPC). Using aForce Calibration method, an administrator 110 measures a tester's bodyweight on a calibrated weight scale and subsequently measures thetester's body standing on the pressure mat 114. The body weight of thetester is entered into the processor and the tester would stand still onthe pressure mat for a fixed duration before starting the calibrationprocess. The fixed duration may range from as low as 1 second to 15seconds. A system that could collect data or frames at higher ratescould decrease the time needed.

Using a Multi-level Pressure Calibration method, an automaticsensitivity adjustment may be executed. In the calibration window, a“sensitivity setting” button may be added. A tester may insert thepressure mat in the calibration mat in the calibration device and loadthe pressure mat at a fixed known pressure, such as 15 pounds per squareinch (psi). The process may involve adjusting sensitivity based on rawdigital readings. To conduct the multi-level pressure calibration, theentire pressure platform may be placed in a pressure calibration device.The pressure mat may then be loaded at various pressure levels, such as5 psi, 10 psi, 15 psi, 20 psi, 30 psi, etc. A load-output curve isgenerated for each sensel on the pressure mat, the sensel being anindependent sensing cell. Moreover, in order to ensure propercalibration, the processor may perform a test calibration of thepressure sensors in order to offset long-term drifting.

The example kiosk 100 may also contain a storage device 105, e.g RAM, ahard drive, flash drive, etc. that may transfer 120 information to bestored or sent, such as the instructions or software upgrades 115 neededto operate the kiosk, a mapping or decision matrix 116 of footcareproducts to classified subgroups, an inventory list 117, demographicinformation 118 of people that use the kiosk, parameters 122 of thekiosk that are pre-configured and which may be set by an administrator,records of kiosk transactions 119, demographic information 118 relatingtypes of footcare products selected for foot types, etc. The inventorylist 117 may store information of the types of products and also currentavailability in stock of those products. This information may also betransferred across a communication medium 107, e.g. a modem, DSL, cable,ethernet, etc., to network servers 106 which may transfer 121 the storedkiosk information from a plurality of kiosks 100.

The network servers 106 or databases may store the correspondinginformation from a plurality of kiosks 100, including instructions orsoftware upgrades 123, mappings or decision matrices 124, inventory 125or product lists, demographic information 126, transactional information127, and parameters 128. It may appreciated that the operation of thenetworked kiosks may alternatively be controlled through instructions orsoftware upgrades 123 located only on the network servers 106.Alternatively, networked kiosks may share instructions and operationalcontrol with the server 106. An administrator 110, may collect andanalyze 112 data from the network servers 106 to adjust parameters usedto select a recommended footcare product or to adjust shipment ofcertain models of footcare products. Moreover, the inventory 125 may beanalyzed, as will be explained later, to track the sales statistics ofinventory or to register whether certain kiosks need to be restocked ormore products need to be manufactured.

A processor 104 in the example kiosk 100 may be configured to perform avariety of tasks, such as taking pressure measurements from the pressuresensors 101. The processor may be able to calculate biomechanical dataestimates of a person's foot based on the pressure measurements.Biomechanical data estimates may include estimated foot dimensions,estimated foot type, and estimated body weight. Foot types may indicatewhether the person has flat feet, supination, pronation, etc.

At the end of kiosk use, or before it is used during the day, anadministrator 110 may initiate a checkup, or alternatively, the kioskmay initiate a self-check-up. A self-check-up may involve a pressure matcondition check-up (sensel misfiring when there is no load),handle-sensor, handle-computer check-up, touch screen check-up, systemmemory clean-up, calibrating the pressure mat, calibrating a scale,accounting for daylight savings time, etc.

Prior to the start of the kiosk, or while the kiosk is not in use, anadministrator 110 may access the processor 104 using the input device103 or the output device 102 that can act as an input, such as a touchscreen interface. Or, if there is an error while the kiosk is in use,the error may prompt administrator 110 action. An administrator may setparameters for error-checking, such as a weight range limit, equationcoefficients to calculate biomechanical data estimates or to select afootcare product. An administrator may also download from a network 107or upload into the storage device 105 new product lists, inventory 117,video clips, language templates, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates several example foot dimensions. The exampleestimated foot dimensions may be calculated based on pressuremeasurements taken by the example kiosk described previously. A footdimension may be a longitudinal line 200 that runs from the lateralcenter of a heel to the lateral center of a second toe. Foot length 201may be the distance between the most posterior point, i.e. the pointtowards the heel, of the foot 204 and the most anterior point 213, i.e.the point farthest toward the toes, on the foot pressure map on thelongitudinal line. Foot width 202 may be the projection of distancebetween the most medial point 206 and most lateral point 207 of the footpressure map, the projected foot width shown in the figure beingperpendicular to the longitudinal line 200. An arch index is an estimatewhich may be used to characterize the arch. An arch index may be definedas the ratio of the area of the middle third of the toeless footprint tothe total toeless footprint area, known as the foot body. The divisionof the three segments is along a line L 205 that is drawn between thelateral center point of the second toe 211 at the level of the toe line203 and the lateral center of the heel 212 on the level of the mostposterior point of the heel 204. The foot is thus divided into thirds, A208, B 209, and C 210, with each third being of length L divided by 3.The Arch Index is equal to the areas of B/(A+B+C), which is equal to thearea of B divided by the Foot Body Area. It may be appreciated that footdimensions may be estimated using alternative methods or based onalternative points of measurement.

FIG. 3 a illustrates an example of the locations of alignment marks thatare displayed on a pressure mat. When a person stands on a pressure mathis feet should be located at the approximate angle of the twofeet-shaped outlines 311. An alignment border 310 marks the furthestposterior boundary capable of receiving measurements. Internally thesensor array grid may detect features of the foot. As long as some partof the region of measurement can be taken it can be determined whether aperson being measured is standing outside the measurement grid. Theperson would them be instructed in how to move his feet in order to bewithin the measurement area. For example, one way of determining whethera foot is in a measurement region is to determine whether a part of afoot is on one side of the measurement grid, e.g., whether measurementscan be taken on the sensor grid outside the measurement grid. Thus, ameasurement grid 312 may be defined within a larger actual sensor grid313 array boundary. If sensors detected measurements within 312 and alsowithin 313 near that same area, then the system would recognize that afoot was outside the boundary and direct the person to adjust his foot.

FIG. 3 b illustrates measurements that may be derived from pressuremeasurements on a pressure mat. In this alternative method ofdetermining alignment, a person may stand within a designated area likein FIG. 3 a. A longitudinal line 307 may be calculated to provideprospective of the location of a line connecting the center of the heel305 and the center of the second toe 306. The outline 308 of the footmay be the general measurable boundaries for a person to place his orher foot. The outline may be large enough to fit a majority of people.For example, in one embodiment, a little more than 6 inches may beprovided for toes. A grid 309 may be provided in order to provideuniform measurement units and they may, but need not, be provided to theperson standing on the pressure mat.

Three Alignment Marks, X 301, Y 302, and Z 303 are designated across thewidth of the outline 308. Alignment Mark X 301 may be derived by takingthe 100% multiplied by the ratio of the Average First Metatarsal Lengthover the Average First Toe Length. Average lengths may be derived bystudying the mean foot lengths tailored to groups of people based onrace, gender, foot type, or an overall population. Alignment Mark Z 303may be derived by taking 100% multiplied by the ratio of the AverageFifth Metatarsal Length over the Average Fifth Toe Length minus apredefined number of grids. Alignment Mark Y 302 may be derived bytaking an average length differential between the second and firstmetatarsal heads in the longitudinal direction. A generally hyperbolicfitted curve may be drawn over the three points to represent a toe line304. It may be appreciated that the average lengths may have somevariation, and thus, the exact location of the Alignment Marks maydeviate slightly.

In one embodiment, Alignment Mark X 301 may be estimated to be 73% ofthe pressure mat length (=100%*19.29/26.32−38 grids; 19.29=averageCanadian first metatarsal length; 26.32=average Canadian first toelength). Alignment Mark Z 303 may be estimated to be 64% of the pressuremat length (=100%*16.9/21.69; 16.9=average Canadian fifth metatarsallength; 21.69=average Canadian fifth toe length). Each grid may be equalto 6.73 mm. One average length differential between the second and firstmetatarsal heads in the longitudinal direction is 3.4 mm while anotheraverage is 3.2 mm. Taking the average of the two averages would derivean average of 3.35 mm. Assuming an average foot length of 26.32 cm, thelocation of the second metatarsal head location may be moved up by 4.45mm (=3.35*35/26.32). If each grid is equal to 6.73 mm, the location ofAlignment Mark Y 302 may be moved approximately ⅔ of the distance of asingle grid. The location of center of the heel 305 and the center ofthe second toe 306 may be derived from averages, but in this exampleembodiment, it is defined to be between the ninth and tenth grid in thelateral direction.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example procedure forcharacterizing a person's feet based on pressure measurements andselecting a recommended footcare product, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. The example procedure may beimplemented by a kiosk, such as the example kiosk described in FIG. 1.In 400, the example procedure may be initiated by an administrator. In401, an output device may display an attract screen, e.g., pictures ofproducts that may be sold in a merchandise display area of an examplekiosk, and awaits a person's input 402. While there is no input, theattract screen may continue to display footcare products 401 or otherimages to attract a person. In an alternative embodiment, a dispensingmechanism may replace a merchandise display area, and the dispensingmechanism may automatically, or at the request of the person, begin theprocedure to dispense the recommended footcare product. Intermittentaudio and video clips may accompany the display of the footcareproducts.

When a person responds to the attract screen, e.g. by touching a touchscreen or pressing a start button, the procedure may indicate thatvarious language options 403 may be available, e.g., English or Spanish.The person may indicate a language preference and an error-check may beperformed 404. While pressure measurements are taken, while a person'sfeet is grouped into a classified subgroup, or while a recommendedfootcare product is being selected, various screens may be displayed. Ateach of these screens, errors may occur or the user may voluntarilyabort the procedure. These errors or aborts and the corresponding screenthat it occurred may be tracked, e.g. by storing in the kiosk storagedevice or sending over a network to be tracked at a server 106. If anerror or abort occurs, the procedure may restart 405 and return to itswaiting mode by displaying footcare products 401.

If an error did not occur in 403, at 406, the procedure may re-displaythe instructions or display more detailed instructions. The person mayplace his feet on the pressure mat, if the person had not done soalready. In 407, the display may provide a person with feedback, e.g.,showing a real-time display of a pressure map of the person's feet. In408, a person may be instructed to align the person's feet, for exampleusing with alignment marks such as those in FIG. 3 b. Alignment marksmay be displayed that match the exact pressure map locations. Alignmentmarks may include toelines and longitudinal lines for the left and rightfoot and may be illustrated by different zones of color. The center ofthe heel and the center of the second toe may automatically be detected.If it is not, a longitudinal line may be displayed and a person may beasked to adjust the foot until the feet are aligned with thelongitudinal line. Alternatively, as in FIG. 3 a, the user may beprompted to move his feet within the boundaries as detected by pressuresensors. The kiosk may determine if the feet are out of bounds of thepressure mat, whether the person's body weight is out of apre-determined range, or whether a person's feet are unshod. In 409,whether a person has unshod feet while standing on the pressure mat maybe verified.

In 410, multiple error checks may be performed. Based on priordeterminations, errors are flagged if the issues may not be resolved.These errors may include: (1) if it cannot be recognized that a personis standing on the pressure with unshod feet (even if the person is);(2) if the person is standing out of the bounds of the pressure mat; (3)if the person has their feet misaligned; or (4) if the person's weightis not placed evenly on the pressure mat. Moreover, other error checksmay be determined. For example, a minimum and maximum limit for aperson's weight may be determined. It may be required that a personweigh between 70 and 400 pounds. It may be appreciated that a weightrange may vary and also be represented in other metrics. As a result ofthe errors, the procedure may attempt to re-display the instructions 406in order to help the person resolve any issues. The procedure may reacha threshold where the issues may not be easily resolved and thus restartthe entire procedure 405.

If there are no errors, the procedure continues to 411. In 411,measurements of the feet may be obtained, e.g. pressure measurementsfrom an array of pressure sensors. Throughout the measuring process, theperson being measured may abort the procedure, e.g., by stepping off thepressure mat. The procedure may be also be aborted if there are problemsin the measurement process, such as by the user shifting his weightunevenly. In 412, any measuring errors or aborts may be detected. If theissue cannot be resolved, the procedure may be re-started 405. In 413,based on the pressure measurements and biomechanical data estimates, aperson may be grouped into a classified subgroup. In 414, a recommendedfootcare product is selected for the person based on a decision matrixor a mapping. For example, a product may be selected for a person basedon physical characteristics such as arch index, weight, or foot length.

In one embodiment, the footcare product may be a pre-manufacturedorthotic. In alternative embodiments, the processor or pressure sensorsmay be configured to collect pressure measurements to select anotherfootcare product, e.g. a heel cup, a pressure pad, etc. The samepressure measurements may be implemented in the selection andrecommendation procedures for different types of footcare products.However, alternative points may be taken from a pressure mat torecommend different types of footcare products. For example, while thesame pressure measurements may be used to recommend an orthotic and aheel cup, alternative points of measurements concentrated in the heelmay be more accurate to determine a heel cup fit. Both methods may beused and the processor and pressure sensors need only be configured toaccommodate both footcare products.

Alternatively, in 414, multiple footcare products may be selected for aperson to choose from. The person may also be prompted to answerquestions providing additional information, for example, in order toprovide the procedure with accuracy factors that can adjust parametersto search for a more accurate match. Such accuracy factors may usepreferences, types of activities that the person frequently engages in,the type of shoes that the footcare product may be used with, gender ofthe person, etc. in order to further narrow the list of selectedorthotics. Alternative questions may be asked earlier in the procedure,such as before the pressure measurements are taken. Alternative factorsmay change the recommended footcare product from one type of footcareproduct to another, e.g. an orthotic versus a heel cup.

In 415, several types of information may be displayed, e.g. to theperson using the kiosk described above. Indicia identifying the model ofthe recommended footcare product may be displayed. These indicia mayhelp the person locate a corresponding footcare product that is locatedin a merchandise display area. Moreover, along with the real-timepressure measurements that a person may already view, a peak pressuremap may be displayed to show the pressure measurements taken by thekiosk. Information regarding any of the biomechanical data estimates,such as estimated weight, foot type, or others may also be displayed.Examples of biomechanical data estimates that may be displayed includefoot length, foot width, body weight, arch index, outline of the footand toeline, a longitudinal line (drawn on the peak pressure map), orthe intersection of the longitudinal line and foot body, i.e. the areaof the foot excluding the toes.

In 416, after the person has completed the measurements and receivedinformation about the recommended footcare product, the person canchoose to restart the process or the person can step off the measuringdevice, which would automatically restart the procedure to display footcare products, in 401, while waiting for a new person to initiate theprocedure.

If a person were to use the procedure with the example kiosk of FIG. 1,values may be stored or sent over a network regarding kiosk transactionsthat were performed. Examples of kiosk transaction information that maybe stored are the number of times the kiosk has been used, the number oftimes the system was used to completion of selecting a footcare productto a person, if a person aborted use of the kiosk and at which screenthe person was viewing at the time of aborting, a count of whichproducts have been recommended, and a total count of persons that usedthe kiosk and the time of day that the kiosk was used as well as thelength of time spent using the kiosk per person. If the kiosk is notactivated for a significant period or if the kiosk is scheduled tooperate during only certain times of the day, the last person may bemeasured and the kiosk may automatically shutdown or go to sleep in 417.

Measurements of a person's foot vary significantly if the foot is notunshod. Accordingly procedures may be provided to automatically detectwhether a footwear is worn by a person whose foot is being measured.FIG. 5 illustrates an example pressure map showing foot dimensions thatmay be used to determine if a foot on a sensor is unshod, according toan example embodiment of the present invention. The pressure map may begenerated after collecting a static pressure for a prescribed period oftime, for example, 2 seconds. On the pressure map, a longitudinal line500 connects the lateral center of the heel 502 and the lateral centerof the second toe 501. The center of the heel and the center of thesecond toe (and any other point of interest) may be determined bycomparing the measured foot profile with general foot templates.Generalized foot templates may be created by taking samples of actualfeet measurements or averaging many foot types. Based on the pressuremap, a geometric center of the feet may be determined. The general foottemplates may expand or shrink depending on the size or length of thefoot and the general foot template may be compared to that of thepressure map outline using the geometric center as a reference point. Amatching method, such as best fit, may then be used to determine themost comparable general foot template. Using the most comparable generalfoot template, all other points of the foot may be estimated, includingthe center of the heel and center of the second toe.

For the purpose of clarity and explanation, in FIG. 5, the most anteriorpoint and the most posterior point along the longitudinal line areprojected out as the most posterior point line 503 and the most anteriorpoint line 504, which are perpendicular to the longitudinal line. Theprojection of the line between the most posterior point and mostanterior point is the Foot Length (FL) line 505, which is equal to thedistance between the most posterior point and the most anterior point.Three points are identified along the longitudinal line measured inrelation to the foot length. These are point A 506, measured at 16% ofthe FL line 505 from the posterior end, point B 507, measured at 50% ofthe FL line 505 from the posterior end, and point C 508, measured at 75%of the FL line from the posterior end. It may be appreciated that thesepoints may vary, and these points may derived from trial runs on thefeet of approximately 30 test subjects.

Line A 509, is perpendicular to the longitudinal line and is drawnthrough point A 506. Line A 509 intersects with the boundaries of thepressure map, and the length of Line A 509 may be truncated within theoutline of the pressure map. The outline of the pressure map indicatesthe outermost pressure points that are reflected in a real-time pressuremeasurement. The length of Line A 509 represents the Heel Width (HW).Line B 510, is perpendicular to the longitudinal line and is drawnthrough point B 507. Line B 510 intersects with the boundaries of thepressure map in the midfoot area and the length is truncated within theoutline of the pressure map. The length of Line B 510 represents anestimate of the Arch Width (AW). Line C 511, is perpendicular to thelongitudinal line and is drawn through point C 508. The widest pointsbetween Line B 510 and Line C 511 are projected out as lines, parallelto the foot, on the medial side 512 and the lateral side 513. Thelongest width of the pressure map between Line B 510 and Line C 511,i.e. the distance between lines 512 and 513, represents an estimate ofthe Forefoot Width (FW).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example procedure using foot dimensions from FIG.5 to determine whether an unshod foot is on a pressure mat, according toan example embodiment of the present invention. In 600, a pressure mapmay be generated at the start of the unshod foot detection. As explainedpreviously, the pressure map may be generated from collecting a staticpressure for a prescribed period of time. In 601, the longitudinal line500 is identified. In 602, key points are identified, in particularpoint A 506, point B 507, and point C 508. In 603, the estimated HeelWidth may be determined, as explained in FIG. 5 relating to derivingLine A 509. In 604, the estimated Arch Width may be determined, asexplained in FIG. 5 relating to deriving Line B 510. In 605, if there isno intersection with the pressure map, then in 607, the Arch Width isassigned a pre-determined number, e.g. some constant that is not zero toavoid the situation where a number could be divided by zero. If the ArchWidth does have a value, then in 606, the Arch Width is assigned thatvalue. In 608, the Forefoot Width may be determined, as explained inFIG. 5 relating to deriving Line C 511. In 609, the values previouslyrecorded are compared with pre-determined values. The pre-determinedvalues can be derived by recording and comparing values of actual testsubjects wearing shoes and comparing them to measurements while standingunshod. For both feet, an example condition is:

-   -   (FL/HW≧FL_low) & (FL/HW≦FL_high) & (FW/HW≧FW_Iimit) &        (AW/HW≧AW_limit)        In this example, FL_low=3.5; FL_high=6.0; FW_limit=1.2;        AW_limit=0.1.

In 610, after the condition is determined, if the condition is “true”then, in 611, the person is recognized as being unshod. If the conditionis false, then in 612, the user is recognized as wearing shoes. It maybe appreciated that values can be added to the condition range to havethe option to determine if a person is wearing socks. The procedure todetermine if an unshod foot is on a pressure sensor ends in 613.

The target ratios and constant values may be derived by comparing theratios to actual test subjects and calculating whether the ratios andconstants match, on average, the ratios for those test subjects.However, it the ratios may also be altered by adjusting the point ofLine A 509, Line B 510, or Line C 511 on varying degrees along the footlength line. The locations of these varying lines are derived fromtesting multiple subjects and calculating ranges with the least errors.Alternative measurements may allow the lines to vary or in fact to addfurther lines. For example, a Line D may be added between Line A 509 andLine B. Ratios of Line D compared to the other widths and lengths mayalso create a new constant with which to compare the ratio. This newconstant may be a floor or minimum or a ceiling or maximum constant whencompared to the ratio of Line D to a measurement of the length, width,arch width, some other newly derived line, etc.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example procedure to take pressure measurements tocalculate biomechanical data estimates, such as those in FIG. 2,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In 700, theprocedure may begin after a person's feet are on pressure measurementsensors. At the start, various other checks may also be performed tointeract with a person that is being measured. For example, an outputmay display a real-time pressure map as soon as a person steps on apressure mat; a person may be prompted to remove their shoes and step onthe pressure mat at designated areas on the pressure mat with theirweight balanced between the left and right, front and back; the personmay be prompted to indicate whether or not the person is ready formeasurement, such as by clicking on a “Start” button. Several errorchecks may have been performed at the pressure measurement collectiontime, such as to determine whether an unshod foot is actually on thesensor as in FIG. 6, or whether there are other errors with footalignment, weight, etc. as in 408 or 410 in FIG. 4.

In 701, a target zone may be defined. The target zone may be thegeometric center of the pressure print of both feet, but may also beanother geometric pressure point of reference. In determining the targetzone, the target zone may be shifted 10% distally to force the user tolean forward slight, and consequentially, allow the person's toes tohave direct contact with the pressure mat. In 702, a person may beprompted to match the person's center of force (COF) into the targetzone. The center of force may be determined by calculating the moment oftorque for each sensor point and taking the centroid weighted by theforce at each point to create an overall representation of the force ofboth magnitude and location of the various forces. The center of forcemay be used to indicate the body's center of gravity.

In 703, if the length of the foot pressure map changes by more than 15mm, approximately a 2 sensel element difference, 701 is repeated and thetarget zone may be re-calculated and displayed to the person on anoutput device. The length of pressure map change that would trigger are-calculation of defining a target zone may depend on the use of themeasurement. A 15 mm threshold is approximately 2 shoe sizes and mayjustify a re-calculation. The person may be prompted to continue tomatch the person's COF into the new target zone. If in 703, there is nosignificant increase of foot pressure length, the initial target zonemay not be re-calculated. In 704, the final target zone may be locatedat a fixed location unless the person moves or lifts his feet. Inalternative embodiments, the target zone may also be determineddynamically, wherein the COF matches a dynamic target zone, which may bedefined as the center of area.

In 705, a static pressure measurement may be initiated. Frames may becollected at different rates. Pressure data may be collected at a rateof 10 frames per second. While frames are taken, the target zone may bedisplayed on an output device. In 706, frames of pressure data may becollected. Depending on the desired accuracy of pressure measurements, aminimum number of frames may be needed, such as 20 frames of pressuredata. Twenty frames of pressure data at 10 frames per second may requirea person to hold a target zone for 2 seconds.

Among the frames collected, some of the frames may have be poor. Someframes may be eliminated for use through a qualifying process. Thequalifying process may use any number of different methods. For example,the method described in FIG. 6 for determining whether a foot is unshodmay also be used to determine whether a frame is a qualifying frame. Ifa foot is determined to be unshod, the frame would be qualified. If theframe would not be qualified as unshod, it is likely that the collectedframe was poor or that there was an error and would thus be eliminated.Another example method may be to determine whether the balance of weightbetween the front and back and the sides are properly distributed basedon the COF.

In 707, based on the pressure measurements taken, a static foot outline(SFO) may be derived from the pressure measurements. In 708, afterstatic pressure measurements have been taken, the person may be informedthat the static pressure measurement has been completed.

In 709, the quasi-dynamic pressure measurement process may commence.Generally, dynamic measurements are taken during ambulation in order todetermine pressure on various parts of the person based on his or hergait. However, a quasi-dynamic process estimates the types of pressurescreated without a need for ambulation. Rather, a quasi-dynamic processmay allow for pressure measurements to be taken while a person isstanding on one foot in order to simulate pressure that may be generatedduring ambulation.

In 710, the person may be prompted to hold a balance, such as by holdinga balance bar or to keep their balance on their own, and then to gentlyand slowly lift one foot while balancing and standing on a firstplanting foot. In 711, a target zone may be defined for the firstplanting foot based in part on the static foot outline previouslydetermined in 707. The location of the target zone may be slightlymodified according to the one-foot pressure map. The user may beprompted to match the target zone for the first planting foot.

In 712, the biomechanical status of the person may be monitored anddifferent triggers for pressure frame collection may be implemented. Forexample, one trigger to start collecting pressure frames may be when theCOF enters the target zone and is stable for a short pre-defined period,such as one second. Again varying number of frames may be collected; forexample, 20 frames at 10 frames per second may be collected. Analternative trigger may be to collect frames when the load on theplanting foot reaches 90% bodyweight. It may be appreciated thatvariations and combinations of biomechanical status may trigger thecollection of frames. For example, frame collection may be triggeredwhen a person's COF matches the target zone and at least 95% of staticweight is achieved. In 713, once the measurement collection iscompleted, a person may be instructed place replace the raised foot backonto the pressure mat.

In 714, if both feet have been measured individually, parameters may becalculated in 715. If not, 710 to 713 may be repeated to collect framesfor the second planting foot. The order of the frame collection of theindividually feet may be altered. During the second round of 710, whenmeasuring the second planting foot, the SFO may need to be rotated tomatch the pressure print of the second planting foot. In 711, a newtarget zone may also be defined based on the SFO. The location may alsobe slightly modified according to the one-foot pressure map.

In 715, based on the static or quasi-dynamic pressure measurements fromthe collected frames, biomechanical data estimates of the foot may becalculated. Only the qualifying frames are used to calculatebiomechanical data estimates. Determining qualifying frames may involvemethods previously mentioned, such as using the method of determiningwhether a foot is unshod. The qualifying process is generally performedbefore the biomechanical data estimate calculations are performedbecause otherwise the processing would be wasted if a frame werediscarded in the qualifying process. Nevertheless, the order ofqualifying and calculating biomechanical data estimates may be altered.For example, qualifying may be done for all frames and then calculationsof biomechanical data estimates may be done for remaining frames, orvice versa. Alternatively, the combination of the qualifying process andcalculation of biomechanical data estimate may be done for each frame ata time.

Using FIG. 2 as a reference for the calculation of biomechanical dataestimates, a foot length 201 may be determined by searching along thelongitudinal axis and determining the lowest and highest points. Thedistance between the most posterior point of the heel 204 and the mostanterior point 213 may be calculated as the foot length 201. A generalfoot profile may be used to match the pressure map, similar to themethods described in FIG. 5. A lateral center point of the second toe211 and a lateral center of the heel 212 may be derived from the foottemplate and a longitudinal line may be derived which is a line betweenthe two points. The longitudinal line becomes the axis of the searchingdirection. Using the pressure maps, the toe line 203 may be determinedby searching for the peaks and valleys of pressure. For example, the bigtoe is known to have a large peak in pressure and valleys in pressureexist between the toes. The distance between the toe line 203 and themost posterior point of the heel 204 is the distance of line L 205. Thetotal area of the foot within line L of the foot is the foot body,consisting of the sums of the areas of sections A 208, B 209, and C 210.Based on the location of pressure, the area of A 208, B 209, and C 210may be calculated. The Arch Index is equal to B divided by the area ofthe foot body. The arch index of a person's foot may then be the averagearch index of all the qualified frames for each foot.

The biomechanical data estimates may include foot dimensions, estimatedfoot type, and estimated body weight. For example, biomechanical dataestimates that may be calculated may include peak pressure maps of bothstatic and quasi-dynamic pressure, an artificial double-footed peakpressure map derived from the combined left and right foot quasi-dynamicfoot pressure measurements, foot length, foot width, body weight, alongitudinal line, an arch index, etc. The biomechanical data estimatesmay be stored in the kiosk storage area or sent over a network to bestored. Demographic information, for example, information relating auser id number associated with corresponding biomechanical dataestimates and a recommended footcare product, may be stored in a storagedevice or relayed over a network for storage in a central database orserver.

FIG. 8 a illustrates an example decision matrix, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. A decision matrix module is used tocorrelate classified subgroups with a footcare product model. Thedecision may, in part, be derived from the various footcare productsavailable, and may thus vary based on the product specification listthat is stored in the storage area. The classified subgroups may bebased on biomechanical data estimates or directly on the pressuremeasurements themselves. Another example of selecting a footcare productis a mapping between a classified subgroup and footcare products.

A set of 14 pre-manufactured orthotics may be provided as described inconcurrently filed application titled, “Cushioned Orthotic”, filed U.S.application Ser. No. ______ filed ______, assigned to Schering-PloughHealthcare Products, Inc. the assignee of the present application. Theseorthotics include 4 lengths/size, 2 different levels of arch support and2 different levels of cushioning. However, only one level of cushioningis provided for the largest size. This may be because people of thelargest size feet require the maximal cushioning.

The particular matrix in FIG. 8 a is divided into bands and indexed byweight of the person and arch index. The bands represent the foot lengthof the person. For example, in the example matrix there are four bands:Band A 850 for foot lengths below 244 mm, Band B for foot lengthsgreater than and including 244 and less than 255 mm, Band C for footlengths greater than 255 mm and less than 270 mm, and Band D for footlengths greater than and equal to 270 mm. Each band contains across-reference between a weight and an arch index.

In the example matrix the weights are divided between low weight andhigh weight, although with more product models and weights tested theweight categories within a band may increase. The dividing weightbetween low and high weight is the median weight. The determination ofthe median weight is the median weight that is expected for people of aparticular foot length. The type of support may require more cushioningfor people of a certain foot length but heavier than the median weightfor that foot length. The median weight would thus vary between thedifferent bands. As foot length increased, a median weight would also beexpected to increase.

In the example matrix the arch index is divided between low, medium ornormal, and high, although with more product models the arch index mayincrease in categories. The low arch index range 853 may be defined asgreater than 0.257. The medium arch index range 859 may be greater than0.173 and less than or equal to 0.257. The high arch index range 860 maybe less than or equal to 0.173. In these examples, there is an inverserelationship between the arch index and the arch, e.g., the higher thearch index the lower the arch. It is possible for the foot care productsto be sold individually for the left and the right foot because it ispossible that the right and the left foot will have differing archindexes. Presumably, the foot length and body weight will not differ. Ifthe footcare product were only sold in pairs, then the low or high archindex would dominate over the medium/normal arch index. For example, ifthe right foot was a high arch index and the left foot was a normal archindex, the selected model would be for the high arch index. Between thehigh arch index and the low arch index the more conservative product maybe selected, e.g. the medium arch index may be selected.

Using the foot length, arch index, and weight of a person a productmodel may be selected and then recommended to that person. For example,if a person had a foot length of 220 mm, weighed 120 pounds, and an archindex of 0.261. A length of 220 mm would mean the person would fallwithin Band A 850. Band A 850 has a median weight 855 of 135 pounds,thus a person weighing 120 pounds would be classified in the low weight851. An arch index of 0.261 would place the person in the low arch 854of Band A. A low arch 854 within Band A 850 of low weight 851 wouldrecommend “Product 1” 856. As another example, suppose a person had afoot length of 220 mm, weighed 150 pounds, and had an arch index of0.205. The foot length as before would fall into Band A 850. Band A 850has a median weight 855 of 135 pounds, thus a person of 150 pounds wouldbe classified in the high weight 852. An arch index of 0.205 would placethe person in the medium or normal arch 858 of Band A. A medium arch 858within Band A 850 of high weight 852 would recommend “Product 4” 857.

It may be appreciated that while this decision matrix is displayed inthis example as a spreadsheet, the organization of the products andbiomechanical data estimates may be organized, searched, and accessed inthe kiosk storage using other methods, such as an array, linked list,database table, etc.

FIG. 8 b illustrates an example procedure for selecting a footcareproduct from a decision matrix, such as in FIG. 8 a, based on pressuremeasurements, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention. The procedure may be used in selecting a recommended footcareproduct 414 as in FIG. 4. In 800, when the procedure has started, theperson's weight, arch index, and foot length will have already beendetermined, from the pressure measurements, the scale, or the person'sinput. In 801, the person is classified into a Band. In 802, if theperson's foot length is less than 244 mm the person is classified intoBand A in 806. If not, in 803, if the person's foot length is greaterthan or equal to 244 mm or less than 255 mm the person is classifiedinto Band B in 807. If not, in 804, if the person's foot length isgreater than or equal to 255 mm or less than 270 mm the person isclassified into Band C in 808. If not, in 805, if the person's footlength is greater than or equal to 270 mm the person is classified intoBand D in 809.

After the Band is determined, in 810 the person's arch index may becross-referenced with an arch index range. In 811, if the person's archindex is greater than 0.257, the person is classified as having a lowarch in 814. If not, in 812, if the arch index is greater than 0.173 orless than or equal to 0.257, the person is classified as having a mediumarch in 815. If not, in 813, if the arch index is less than or equal to0.173, the person is classified as having a high arch in 816.

After the person is classified into a Band and Arch Index, in 817 theperson is classified into a weight range. In 818, if the person's weightis less than the median weight, the person is into a low weight for theparticular band 820. If not, in 819, and by default, if the person'sweight is greater than or equal to the median weight, the person isclassified into a high weight for the particular band 821. As in FIG. 8a, the median weight may vary depending on the particular band. Theorder of the designation of the arch index range, weight range, and Bandmay also vary. For example, depending on how the data is stored or howthe software is written, the weight range may be determined before archindex range. After a person is classified based on selection criteria,the selection criteria may be cross-referenced in 822 to determine therecommended product model. This product model is returned in 823 to berecommended to the person.

FIG. 9 a illustrates an example kiosk selecting pre-manufacturedorthotics, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.A pressure mat 900 which may be removably attached to the kiosk islocated on the bottom of the kiosk. On the surface 904 of the pressuremat 900, alignment marks may be displayed that match the exact pressuremap locations. The foam template mat may overlay the pressure sensors inorder to guide a person using the kiosk in the placement of the person'sfeet, and the entire pressure sensor and foam template mat combinationmay form a pressure mat 900. A set of candidate footcare products, inthis example orthotics, may be displayed on or near the kiosk in amerchandise display area 901 located on the sides of the kiosk, e.g.stored in clear plastic shelves that allow removal. Other forms ofremovable attachments may be used to display products. It may beappreciated that the merchandise display area may be located on thekiosk or near the kiosk. Alternatively, footcare products may bedispensed like that of a vending machine. Handlebars 903 which a personmay use to balance while standing on one foot during a pressuremeasurement procedure may be vertical bars, but in alternative kiosks,handlebars 903 may be located on the sides. An output device 902, suchas a touch screen device, may be located at eye-level or where a personstanding on the pressure mat 900 may easily access and view the touchscreen.

FIG. 9 b illustrates an example internal structure of a pressure pad,such as the pressure pad 900 in FIG. 9 a, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. A sensor grid array for the leftfoot 906 and right foot 907 is separated 908 by 10 cm at the lower-rightcorner of the left foot sensor grid 906 and the lower-left corner of theright foot sensor grid 907. The angle of separation 905 between the twosensor grids is 17.5 degrees. The layout of the grid is developed forthe comfort of the user and is not necessary for measurement. Thepressure pad also contains a handle 909. The pressure pad itself issloped upward at an angle where the point at 915 is at a vertical heightlower than the point at 916. The reason for this is because peoplenaturally tend to stand without as much pressure on their toes, and theangle forces the person to create a pressure image. The actual degree ofthe slope may vary, but a lean of approximately 10% is recommended. Theimportance of the sensors receiving proper contact from the toes is toensure a proper reading of the foot length. The width 916 of thepressure mat may be 24 inches and the length 917 is 21.5 inches.

FIG. 9 c illustrates an example layer-by-layer internal structure of apressure pad, such as the pressure pad 900 in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The firstlayer 909 is the top of the pressure mat and contains an image of thefoot outline and boundaries of the foot measurement area, as viewable bya person using the pressure mat. This is also the layer that is indirect contact with the person's feet. The second layer 910 may be afoam sheet that may provide padding for the feet. A third layer 911 maybe a teflon sheet, or other non-conductive material. A fourth layer 912may be the sensor mat containing pressure sensors. Extending from thesensor mat may be a set of leads 915 attached to a handle 914. Thebottom layer 913 hard layer supporting the pressure mat and may be madeof acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (abs). The various layers of thepressure mat may be altered, either in order or in material, dependingon various factors, such as the sensitivity of the pressure, comfortlevel, or height of the pressure mat.

FIGS. 10 through 20 illustrate example screens that may be displayed onan output device while performing the example procedures of FIGS. 4, 7,and 8 b, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 a illustrates an example screen that may display footcareproducts, according to example 401 in FIG. 4, while the system is not inuse, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Anexample image 1000 of a footcare product, e.g. a cushion orthotic, inthe set of available footcare products may be displayed. Alternatively,a video clip or a rotating image of the product may be displayed. Audiomay also be provided along with the image or video. Descriptions 1002 ofthe displayed footcare product may also accompany the video or image1000. An instruction 1001 to initiate the kiosk may be displayed aswell, e.g. a button reading “Touch Screen to Begin.” FIG. 10 billustrates an example screen that may display a footcare product andits various components, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention. For example, a cover layer 1003, cushioning layers1004 and 1005, and a bottom shell layer 1006 of a footcare product, likethat shown in FIG. 10 a, may be displayed on a page with an instruction1001 to initiate the kiosk.

FIG. 11 illustrates any number of example screens that displayinformation, instructions, or that provide a language option, accordingto examples 403 and 406 in FIG. 4, according to an example embodiment ofthe present invention. For example, a title 1100, which may contain thename of the system or the name or trademark of the company employing thekiosk, may be listed on the screen. Instructions 1102 on how togenerally use the kiosk may also be displayed. A language option may bepresented, e.g. the user may choose English language 1101 or Spanishlanguage 1103 instructions. Alternatively, a “switch to Spanish” optionmay be displayed where the default may be English language instructions,or vice versa. It may be appreciated that other languages may beaccommodated by adding language files to the kiosk.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example instruction screen directing a person totake off his or her shoes, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention. The screen may show a real-time pressure map 1200 ofthe person's feet. Instructions 1201 may be displayed on another side ofthe screen. At the direction of the instruction screen, a person maytake off his shoes and step back onto the pressure mat. An error checkmay be performed using a procedure to determine whether an unshod footis on the pressure mat, such as the example procedure of FIG. 7.Moreover, error checks may be performed, such as those described in 410of FIG. 4. Subsequent error checks may be performed on any subsequentscreens as well. If an error is detected, the person may be prompted torestart the procedure, or further instructions or more detailedinstructions may be displayed to help the person rectify any errors.

FIG. 13 a illustrates an example screen that may be displayed to aperson to help achieve proper foot alignment and weight distribution,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Footalignment may be determined according to analysis of foot measurements,e.g. analysis of foot pressure measurements as described above inexample 408 in FIG. 4. A person may be asked to position his or her toesat a line 1300, and a corresponding line may also appear on the pressuremat to guide the person to stand in the appropriate position. A targetCenter of Force 1303 and a current Center of Force 1304 oval may bedisplayed on the screen. Further instruction may request that the personbalance his or her weight evenly on both feet by aligning two displayedovals 1301 (in alternative embodiments circles or other shapes may bedisplayed). As the person shifts his or her weight, the COF isrecalculated and the COF oval moves on the screen. While the weight isunbalanced, the person may be unable to proceed to the next step becausea “proceed” button 1302 may not be active.

FIG. 13 b illustrates an alternative example screen that may bedisplayed to a person to help achieve proper foot alignment and weightdistribution, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention. Alignment marks in the anterior of the feet may be replicatedon the screen as the anterior limit 1308 of the measurement boundary. Afoot pressure gauge 1307 may be displayed to allow the user to interpretthe pressure results. The person may be instructed 1309 to move a yellowcircle 1306 into a red target circle 1305, similar to the example inFIG. 13 a where a person may be asked to move a current COF to a targetCOF.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example screen that may be displayed to a personwhen the person has his or her weight balanced on both feet, accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention. An active “proceed”button 1400 may be highlighted as active after the weight is balanced.This may be indicated if the Current COF and Target COF oval become anoverlapping balanced COF 1401. Measurements may be obtained, forexample, in a procedure described in 411 of FIG. 4, or illustrated inmore detail in 705 to 708 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example screen containing instructions that maybe displayed to a person regarding taking quasi-dynamic footmeasurements, e.g. pressure measurements of the person while the personstands on the left foot, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention. Instructions 1500 may be displayed in one section andvarious steps may be highlighted as they are performed. A firstinstruction 1502 may request that the person place his or her hands on abar for balance and safety purposes. The person may hold onto bars, suchas those of 903 of the example kiosk illustrated in FIG. 9. The bars maycontains sensors that may register contact in order for a kiosk todetermine when this step has been performed. A second instruction 1503may instruct the person to slowly raise the right foot completely offthe pressure mat. A third instruction 1504 may instruct the person tobalance his or her weight on the remaining left foot, in this case thefirst planting foot. These three instructions may be implementedaccording to example 707 to 709 of FIG. 7. Pressure measurements may betaken while the person is standing on the left foot. While pressuremeasurements are collected, a pressure map of the first planting foot1501, in this case the left foot, may be displayed on the screen.

FIG. 16 a illustrates an example screen that may be displayed aftermeasurements of a single planting foot are taken, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention. An instruction 1600 may behighlighted after measurements have been taken to indicate that theperson's foot may be placed back onto the pressure mat. When theperson's foot is detected on the pressure mat, the real-time pressuremap 1602 may display the foot that was previously lifted off the mat, inthis example the right foot. This may be done according to example 710in FIG. 7. When measurements are completed and the foot is replaced, a“proceed” button 1601 may be activated to indicate to a person that themeasurements of the left foot were taken.

FIG. 16 b illustrates an alternative example screen that may bedisplayed after measurements of a single planting foot are taken,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In theexample screen, after the foot is placed back on the mat the person maybe prompted for a weight input 1603 asking whether the person weighsless than a pre-defined weight. The pre-defined weight may be derivedfrom a median weight of a particular band, for example, of a band asshown in FIG. 8 a. The screen at which the user is asked to input weightmay be displayed at any point of the measurement process. For example,the prompt for a weight input may be shown after both feet have beenmeasured individually, before any feet have been measured, etc.Alternatively, the prompt may not be displayed at all if the pressuremeasurements are deemed accurate enough to calculate the weight, or ifan optional scale is used to verify the pressure measurement's weightcalculation.

FIG. 17 a illustrates an example screen containing instructions that maybe displayed to a person regarding taking pressure measurements of theperson while the person stands on the right foot, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention. Instructions 1700 may bedisplayed in one section and various steps may be highlighted as theyare performed. A first instruction 1702 may request that the personplace his or her hands on a bar for balance and safety purposes. Theperson may hold onto bars, such as those of 903 of the example kioskillustrated in FIG. 9. The bars may contains sensors that may registercontact in order for a kiosk to determine when this step has beenperformed. A second instruction 1703 may instruct the person to slowlyraise the right foot completely off the pressure mat. A thirdinstruction 1704 may instruct the person to balance his or her weight onthe remaining right foot, in this case the planting foot, by aligningthe ovals, for example, a current COF oval 1706 with that of a targetCOF oval 1705. These three instructions may be implemented through therepeated 707 to 709 of FIG. 7. Foot measurements, e.g. pressuremeasurements, may be taken while the person is standing on the rightfoot, in this example the second planting foot. While measurements arecollected, a pressure map of the second planting foot 1701, in this casethe right foot, may be displayed on the screen. It will be appreciatedthat foot order may be reversed, or only one foot might be measured.

FIG. 17 b illustrates an alternative example screen containinginstructions that may be displayed to a person regarding taking pressuremeasurements of the person while the person stands on the right foot,according to an example embodiment of the present invention.Instructions for measuring on one foot 1712 may be displayed andhighlighted. The person may be instructed to move a yellow circle 1710into a red circle 1711 in order to balance the COF.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example screen that may be displayed aftermeasurements of a single planting foot are taken, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention. This screen is similar toFIG. 16, although the instruction to replace the foot onto the pressuremap may be integrated with an activated button 1800 instructing theperson that he or she may proceed. This may be done according to example710 in FIG. 7. A real-time pressure map 1801 of the feet may bedisplayed on the screen as the raised foot is placed back onto thepressure mat. When measurements have been completed and the person isready to proceed, as indicated in pressing 1800, biomechanical dataestimates may be calculated behind-the-scenes according to example 712in FIG. 7.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example screen that may display a selectedrecommended footcare product, in this example, an orthotic. An image1900 of the footcare product may be displayed that a person may use torecognize the footcare product displayed in the merchandise displayarea, like that of 901 of FIG. 9. It may be appreciated that otherindicia identifying a recommended footcare product may also bedisplayed, such as a rotating image, or an image that a person maymanipulate through a touch screen, or a video clip containing an audiodescription, etc. It may be advantageous to color code various productsso that a customer can more easily locate a recommended product.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example screen displaying other information thatmay be displayed to a person, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention. For example, the screen may display further indiciaof the recommended footcare product that was selected, such as a modelnumber 2000. The packaging 2002 of the footcare product as it wouldappear on a merchandise display area 901, such as that of FIG. 9 a, mayalso be displayed. A restart button 2001, in order to restart theselection process according to example 414 in FIG. 4, may be displayedto allow a person to restart the selection process, or so that anotherperson waiting to use the kiosk may immediately start the process. Otherinformation may also be displayed on the final screen, for example, anyof the prior calculated biomechanical data estimates or pressure mapsmay be displayed. The person may be able to maneuver through variouspages to view the person's own biomechanical data estimates.

In alternative embodiments, when the selection process is complete, thekiosk may display several recommended footcare products. The person maythen, from these few selected footcare products, narrow the range ofproducts down, either by eliminating the choices directly, or byanswering a set of questions, such as comfort preferences, activitiestypically engaged in by the person, the particular activity that thefootcare product may be used with, the type of shoe that the person maywear, or the type of socks that are worn. The footcare products may alsobe different types of products from which the user can choose. Forexample, the kiosk may display an assortment of orthotics and heel cups.In alternative embodiments, these preference choices may be asked priorto the last page and the kiosk may automatically eliminate choices forthe person.

Several example embodiments of the present invention are specificallyillustrated and described herein. However, it will be appreciated thatmodifications and variations of the present invention are covered by theabove teachings and within the purview of the appended claims withoutdeparting from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

1-48. (canceled)
 49. The method of characterizing a foot, comprising:collecting a first set of pressure measurements of a foot of a personwhile the person stands stationary on one foot; characterizing the footbased on the first set of pressure measurements; and selecting afootcare product based on the characterization of the foot.
 50. Themethod according to 0, further comprising collecting a second set ofpressure measurements from both feet of the person while the personstands on both feet.
 51. The method according to 0, further comprisingcharacterizing the foot based on the first set and second set ofpressure measurements.
 52. The method according to 0, further comprisingcalculating a biomechanical data estimate of the foot using the pressuremeasurements.
 53. The method according to 0, further comprisingcomparing the biomechanical data with values from a decision matrix oforthotics and classified subgroups.
 54. The method according to 0,calibrating a plurality of pressure sensors and a processor.
 55. Themethod of claim 0, calibrating the plurality of pressure sensors and theprocessor using a Force Calibration method.
 56. The method of claim 0,calibrating the plurality of pressure sensors and the processor using aMulti-level Pressure Calibration method.
 57. The method according to 0,adjusting coefficients in a processor configuring the accuracy factorsto recommend an orthotic.
 58. The method according to claim 0, whereinthe decision matrix is created based on a product specification list.59. The method according to 0, wherein a classified subgroup is theweight of the person.
 60. The method according to 0, wherein aclassified subgroup is selected based at least in part on the person'sestimated foot length.
 61. The method according to 0, wherein aclassified subgroup is selected based at least in part on the person'sestimated arch index. 62.-81. (canceled)
 82. The computer readablemedium containing instructions that when executed result in aperformance of a method of characterizing a foot, according to claim 0.83.-84. (canceled)